3They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. 4And having come to Jerusalem, they were gladly received by the church, and the apostles and elders; and they reported how great things God wrought with them. 5But there arose some of those from the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying: It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
6And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. 7And when there had been much discussion, Peter arose, and said to them: Men, brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings and believe. 8And God who knows the heart bore them witness, giving to them the Holy Spirit, as also to us; 9and made no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now therefore why do ye tempt God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But, through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe that we shall be saved, in the same manner as they also.
12And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, narrating how great signs and wonders God wrought among the Gentiles through them.
13And after they were silent, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hearken to me. 14Simeon narrated how at first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written:
16After this I will return,
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down;
And I will rebuild the ruins thereof, and will set it up again;
17that the rest of men may seek after the Lord,
And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called,